About the Book
From Past to Present: A Guide to Interviewing Elders & Preserving Family History
Imagine sitting at the kitchen table talking with your dad or beloved auntie. What anecdotes will they share about their lives and the sagas of your ancestors? Are you a caregiver wanting to document the interesting tales you are told while you work?
This is your opportunity to gather family stories and history.
Perhaps you want to interview a grandparent, teacher, or colleague – someone with insight, experience, and wisdom. For Mitch Albom, author of the New York Times best-seller, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” it was his college professor. If he can do it, so can you.
Even if the relationship has broken down, this is a chance to hear the rest of the story. You will discover your elders’ life experiences, what inspired their actions, personal identity, and the wisdom they are eager to impart.
In this guide, you will gain an appreciation of:
- Interviewing those with dementia
- Gathering end-of-life stories
- Audio/video recording on your phone
- How to ask open-ended questions
- Different views on what is true
- Photoscribing
- Multi-generational perspectives
- Legacy letters
- Genograms & family trees
- Handling family secrets
- And… Making a message out of the mess of photos, letters, mementos, and collections!
To help facilitate your story-gathering process, we have included space for your personal notes and reflections.
About the Author
Judy Helm Wright is an Author, Personal Historian, and oral historian who has taught writing for 25 years. Her approachable manner and nonjudgmental guidance have helped hundreds of individuals capture family stories and write memoirs.
“Hello! Welcome to this exciting journey of sharing your wisdom and capturing family stories for your children’s children and those who will benefit from your efforts. My name is Judy Helm Wright — Author/Personal Historian/IntuitiveWiseWoman.
I often share about the honour of being named “Auntie Artichoke — a wise woman who loves unconditionally” by Indigenous tribes I worked with in Hawaii and Montana.
As a founding member of the Association of Personal Historians and the Montana Story Keepers, I was part of a valuable gathering of people committed to the importance of storytelling.
I have taught memoir writing for twenty-five years in many communities. What I knew then about how memory works and what research and life experiences have taught me now is vastly different. As we explore this exciting calling, you too will benefit from this research and knowledge.
The journey to find and share your stories will be some of the most important work you will do. Stories create connection, and human connection enriches your life.
You will be guided not just by me as a Personal Historian but also by your ancestors and those who have influenced your life in meaningful ways. Think of Mitch Albom and “Tuesdays with Morrie” and how that small book has impacted not only family and friends but the entire world.
Know that your story will be treasured and loved by those who read, view, and hear your wisdom.
From Past to Present: A Guide to Interviewing Elders & Preserving Family History
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book, From Past to Present, What is it about?
We all have a story to tell and need to be heard and respected. My mentor, Richard Stone, author of “Stories, The Family Legacy,” says: “To die and not tell your story may be one of the biggest tragedies that can befall a person. If you let a loved one die without hearing his or her stories, it will leave a hole in your being that can never be completely filled.
Most stories are lost because we do not know the questions to ask. Now you have the questions and how to interview even the most reluctant relative. You will receive techniques and tips to record the sessions and then turn into a memoir, letter to the grandkids or a book that will be treasure forever.
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, From Past to Present is it directed at any particular market?
Those whose spirit or their families have prompted them to write down the wisdom of the elders before they die. Anyone who wishes they could spend one more day or afternoon with a deceased grandparent.
In teaching memoir writing for 25 years, I have found the target audience to be mostly women but some men who are between the ages of 45 to 85. The men come with a sense of purpose and usually finish the project. The women get lots done and write about relationships.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
As a personal historian and avid reader, I loved “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albon. This best-selling nonfiction book about interviewing a mentor touched the hearts of all who read it. Now, you can spend some time gathering stories from the elders in your life.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
Ask questions. Keep asking questions of yourself and others. In writing, be sure you ask the questions who, what, when, how, and why.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
Readers can visit my website:
https://memoirlifestorywriting.com/
To find out more about additional books, courses, and coaching I offer, as well as join our growing storytelling community by connecting with us through our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tellyourlifestory/
From Past to Present: A Guide to Interviewing Elders & Preserving Family History
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